Being involved in a road traffic accident can be an overwhelming experience that can sadly leave those involved with lasting physical and mental injuries. Following on from this week’s Law Society Solicitor Chat, Associate Solicitor Rhian Lowe from the FJG’s Dispute Resolution team provides some answers to a few frequently asked questions about the process of making a road traffic accident claim and how your Solicitor will support you through the process.
Talk us through the process of making a road traffic accident claim.
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident then the best thing to do is to contact a Solicitor. More often than not they will be able to offer free advice in the first instance. They can take details of the accident circumstances, details of your injuries and thereafter advise you with regards to the claims process.
What information does someone need to provide to their solicitor when making a road traffic accident claim?
It is important that we have the vehicle registration number if at all possible; the accident location; the time of the accident; details of any witnesses and any photographs that you may have. Information is key at this stage so the more information you can provide to your Solicitor the better.
Do you have to be the driver of a car to make a road traffic accident claim?
No, but you do need to have suffered some sort of injury as a result of the accident.
Are there any time limits to making a road traffic accident claim?
Whilst there are some exceptions, normally you have three years from the date of the accident in which to bring a claim. We would not recommend leaving it too long and the sooner you can take steps to bring a claim the better it is as both your own and any witnesses’ recall of the events will be better. This will in turn make the claims process easier and smoother.
How can a Solicitor help a client access medical rehabilitation?
Most Solicitors will have links with physiotherapists and other treatment providers that offer favourable payment terms and will be able to arrange physiotherapy or other appropriate treatment for you. The cost of this treatment would form part of your claim but in most situations, it will allow you to have treatment without having to pay the costs upfront.
If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and have suffered a personal injury as a result, please contact Rhian Lowe for a no-obligation assessment of your case – call 01206 700113 or email [email protected].